2022 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament
"Brighter Days" is all about optimism and remembering what we love about Boca Grande fishing.
This is our version of a Norman Rockwell - our ideal drift. All boats hooked up on tarpon, a lazy sea turtle drifting in the pass, clear blue skies. This painting represented the 2022 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament in Boca Grande, Florida.
All of the winners of the 2021 tournament are featured in this painting. First place team captain Jesse Craddock and mate Kaelin Olayer on the Flyin Hawaiian with a team of Mary Brooker, Shawn Brooker, Erin Lykins and Laurie Burcaw caught the most fish as well as the first fish caught on day two and the final fish on the last day. Second place was won aboard Hey Moma! with captain Wayne Joiner, mate Brecken Stinnet and anglers Alex Shouppe, Chris Sanders, Michael Moorefield and Kevin Charlan.
First fist released on day one was by the team on Black Pearl with captain Lou Silva and anglers Robert Dinan and Aiden Silva. The last fish released on day two was by Searene, with captain Lamar Joiner Jr and anglers Clay Watkins, Ashley Watkins, Joe Guindi and Nick Morris.
Newsletter Archive ------------>>>
2018 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament
On the 25th and 26th of May, 2017, Kelly sponsored the 2017 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament.
Congratulations to Alex Shouppe's team on the HEY MOMA! with Captain Wayne Joiner for their first place win. Second place went to the Wise team aboard Captain Charlie Coleman's CASUARINA. Captain Nat Italiano and SPOOK hosted Howard Franklin's team and caught the last fish of the tournament for the final cash prize.
Kelly is back again in May 2018 with a new painting called "Old School". A lifetime of fishing inspired this painting. She says, “I close my eyes and I feel this painting: Drifting with the current in the big old traditional boats, serenity, the salty breeze, the sun warming my face, followed by the sudden jolt of my line tightening and pulling under the weight of a tarpon. Then an explosion of water and chaos.” Kelly’s original painting on 36x48 canvas is a scene of one of those perfect balmy days in the Pass, punctuated by the strength and vigor of silver kings. The original artwork is available and will be on display during the Street Festival tournament weekend. A limited edition print and other merchandise featuring the art will be sold by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. Celebrate with us the traditions we’ve enjoyed for decades of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass.
Art has always been part of my life. Natural Florida was and is my playground. My parents, brother and I spent all of our free time immersed in nature; either in the woods or on the water. I paint my memories - and I hope you find your own experience alive in my art.
2021 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament
Anglers celebrated the 2021 WRTT event this year after taking 2020 off. New boats won the coveted top prizes, infusing the Pass with vitality and healthy competition. Congratulations to Flyin' Hawaiian on the win! Hey Moma, Black Pearl, and Searene completed the winners field.
Announcement! The World's Richest Tarpon Tournament artwork "Silver Lining" is available as a signed poster at the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. To purchase poster art, Tervis tumblers, or sport fishing shirts, visit https://bocagrandechamber.com/ or call 941-964-0620.
I am also releasing a limited edition of the fine art (no tournament text). The original painting is 36x48 inches. The original is available, framed ($6,000). A special edition giclée on canvas, remarked (painted on), of 10 pieces signed and numbered, in size 30x40 will be sold framed or gallery-wrapped for $900. A limited edition of 50 signed and numbered pieces in size 30x40 will be sold framed for $675. An open edition in size 18x24 will be sold framed for $350 or unframed for $100. Email me to purchase, or view available prints at WWW.BUYFISHART.COM.
Thank you for adding this iconic piece of Boca Grande fishing to your collection!
Take a Deep Breath... You are about to enter the Gallery of Native Florida Marine Artist Kelly Reark...
Welcome
2019 World's Richest Tarpon Tournament
For the thrid consecutive year in 2019, Kelly sponsored the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament by painting a special piece of artwork. "Richest Memories" is a view of Boca Grande Pass that touched so many of the guides and members of the community suffering losses of island icons. "We are all mourning the passing of members of a generation that not only shaped but fought so hard to conserve tarpon fishing as we know it."
"Each year that I create the artwork for the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, it is a very special honor to me. I love the Boca Grande fishery for so many reasons. The people I’ve fished with and the exhilaration of catching the mighty silver king are priceless. We are blessed to live in such a special place where the tarpon pile up and present us with the spectacle of huge rolling and feeding schools. Watching the crabs run on the tide or a fish evading a large and looming shadow of a bull or hammerhead are sights common here, unlike anywhere else.
When I sit back in my chair on a drift off the pass ..." Click HERE to read the rest of my article
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Kelly's artwork "Conch Republic Mermaid" was featured at Orlando Harley-Davidson's BIKE WEEK 2017. The mermaid was inspired by the Atocha shipwreck and a 1950's Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Sharks circle the wreck as a siren of the sea gathers her treasures.
Announcements!
Fine Art
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust
Thank you to all who joined Kelly in February, 2017 for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust's spring fundraiser in Boca Grande, FL. Two of Kelly's one-of-a-kind fish mounts were auctioned at the event. Special thanks to Mark Spurgeon!
At the BTT Science Symposium in November, 2017 another of Kelly's fish mounts was auctioned, bringing her total contributions to BTT above $12,000.
Kelly is sponsored by King Sailfish Mounts.
"Working with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust has been a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with like-minded people and to contribute to the science and mission of BTT: Conservation through research, stewardship, education and advocacy."
Get Hooked Up!
Painting with Kelly
This is a video of clips taken while Kelly created the artwork that was later chosen to represent the 2014 Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament in Boca Grande.
For more videos, subscribe to Kelly's YouTube channel or click the VIDEO button.
Kelly Chosen as 2018 ROFFS™ Artist of the Year
ROFFS™ annually selects an artist to feature as "Artist of the Year." The purpose of this honor is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with artists in the marine community. Artists are selected based on a variety of objective and subjective criteria. ROFFS™ promotes the Artist of the Year and does not get a commission or any direct financial benefit from this. They just love really great marine art! Previous recipients have been Don Ray, Steve Goione, Carey Chen, Kevin Brant, Barry Barnett, Daniel Jean-Baptiste, Mark Ray, Tony Ludovico, Judy Shillingburg, Larry Rackley, David Mellor, Dustin Cole, Dennis Friel and Adrian Gray.
My STUDIO FRIENDS have a better understanding of how and why I do my art, have access to new releases ahead of the open market, and get great deals only available to these special VIP collectors. Please become my STUDIO FRIEND! Thanks for loving my art!